Brussels – Public transport in Flanders faced severe disruptions on Wednesday as the common union front at De Lijn carried out a planned strike, causing nearly half of all buses and trams to be cancelled.
The industrial action, aimed at voicing demands for improved working conditions and resources, has left commuters struggling to reach their destinations.
De Lijn, the public transport operator, confirmed to the Belga News Agency that 49% of its scheduled services were not running due to the strike.
The impact was most acutely felt in major Flemish cities such as Antwerp and Ghent, where only three in ten buses and trams were operational. Along the coast, services were also significantly reduced, with only one in three coastal trams running.
As expected, the strike also affected routes operated by external subcontractors, which manage some of De Lijn’s services.
While some of these companies attempted to maintain partial operations, many routes experienced delays and cancellations, exacerbating the difficulties for passengers.
Alternative Services and Passenger Guidance
Despite the disruptions, De Lijn implemented an alternative service plan to mitigate the impact on travelers. “De Lijn has, as always, developed an alternative service,” the company stated on its website.
However, with a drastic reduction in available vehicles, passengers were advised to check the official De Lijn website and mobile application for real-time updates.
“Trips that are not running do not appear in the route planner,” De Lijn noted, emphasizing that passengers should consult the app or website before heading to their bus or tram stop.
Additionally, real-time stop pages provided information on whether specific trips would operate, with non-running trips clearly marked as “does not run.”
While De Lijn provided advance notice of the expected disruptions, officials acknowledged that passengers might still experience minor discrepancies between the planned schedule and the actual situation on the day of the strike.
Commuters Face Difficulties
The strike has left thousands of commuters scrambling to find alternative means of transport. In Antwerp, travelers reported long waits at bus and tram stops, while some opted for bicycles or carpooling to reach their workplaces.
In Ghent, reports surfaced of overcrowding on the few buses and trams that remained in service, as passengers attempted to squeeze into available vehicles.
“I rely on De Lijn every day to get to work, but today it has been a nightmare,” said one frustrated commuter in Antwerp. “There were no clear signs at my stop, and I had to check my phone constantly just to know if my bus was running.”
Others expressed support for the striking workers, acknowledging the difficult conditions they face. “I understand why they’re striking. They need better wages and more staff, but it’s still frustrating for those of us who depend on public transport,” another passenger in Ghent remarked.
Union Demands and Government Response
The unions representing De Lijn workers have been calling for improved working conditions, additional staffing, and better investment in infrastructure.
They argue that persistent underfunding has led to staff shortages, excessive workloads, and service inefficiencies that ultimately impact both employees and passengers.
The Flemish government has acknowledged the concerns raised by unions but has yet to announce any immediate measures to address them.
Transport Minister Lydia Peeters previously stated that discussions were ongoing to find a balanced solution that ensures both worker rights and service reliability.
Looking Ahead
As the strike unfolds, it remains uncertain whether further industrial action will take place in the coming weeks. De Lijn has urged passengers to stay updated via official channels and prepare for continued disruptions if union demands are not met.
For now, Flemish commuters are left navigating an unreliable public transport system, hoping for a resolution that will restore normalcy to their daily routines.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
